This is your opportunity to participate in a three night Wine and Food Festival in Edinburgh, the inspiring political and cultural capital of Scotland, where centuries of history meet a vibrant, cosmopolitan city in an unforgettable setting. Discover stunning scenery, striking architecture and fine food. From the world’s festival capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site to world-class visitor attractions, Edinburgh is a must-visit on anyone’s list.
Our closing meal will be on board the “Royal Yacht, Britannia”, dining in the State Dining room after a reception in the State Drawing Room. There will be an opportunity to tour the vessel, one of the most famous ships in the world. Following in the footsteps of Kings, Queens, Presidents and Prime Ministers we confidently expect the same high standards as when it was in Royal service. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth said “Britannia is the one place where I can truly relax.”
The three day event will also include two other memorable dinners, one of which will be in a Michelin starred establishment. We will also have the opportunity to visit some of the historic buildings and sample quality Scottish products.
The Festival ends at the Britannia dinner on Thursday evening, but on the Friday morning we will hold the Annual General Meeting of the European and African Zone and a farewell luncheon.
The Society does not have a branch/chapter in Scotland so this festival has been put together to give members a taste of the history and quality of Scottish products including Scottish Salmon, Aberdeen Angus Beef, and Game (fur and feather) from the Scottish Highlands. We will include two wine tastings; one concentrating on traditional products and the other on newer Organic and Biodynamic wines. For those who wish there will also be a post-festival opportunity on Friday after the AGM to taste some special Scottish Malt Whisky.
The Festival hotel is the 5* The Balmoral on Princes Street in the heart of the city. There is a Michelin starred restaurant (The Number One) in the basement. Grand Hotels in Capital Cities are never cheap but we believe it gives good value. Other options include two 4* hotels The George Hotel just round the corner (400 yards) and the Apex WaterlooPlace Hotel and two economy hotels (Travelodge and Premier Inns) both within 250 yards. Members are responsible for their own hotel bookings but all transport to events will be from the Balmoral. Details of the hotels are set out below.
DRAFT PROGRAMME
Tuesday 20th September
3:00 pm to 5:00 pm Registration at the Balmoral Hotel
7:00 pm Reception and Dinner overlooking EdinburghCastle (Balmoral Hotel)
Wednesday 21st September
Morning tour finishing at the 13th Century Leith Vaults, the traditional entry port for fine wines into the Scottish Capital. A wine tasting and light luncheon will follow.
6:30 coach transfer to a Michelin starred restaurant
Thursday 22nd September
Morning coach to a local organic farm to view, learn about and taste local Scottish products, followed by an organic wine tasting and a light lunch. Return to hotel
6:30 pm Coach to the Royal Yacht Britannia for reception and tour of the ship followed by dinner in the State Dining Room. This is the final event in the festival.
Friday 23rd September (post-festival)
10:30 AGM of EAZ Ltd
11:30 Post-festival visit to either a Wine tasting or the “Scottish Whisky Experience” for tasting followed by lunch.
TRAVEL
To get to Edinburgh, there are direct flights from the USA (New York, Chicago, Orlando) and Canada or connecting flights through most European Capital Cities including London and Dublin. There are also regular train services from London and many other English cities.
For those who wish to extend their stay there are opportunities to tour the Scottish Highlands and Islands, to visit Glasgow and the Trossachs, to travel a little North to St Andrews and Gleneagles for the best in Golf, or to stay in Edinburgh to discover it’s history.
SUGGESTED HOTELS
The Balmoral Hotel, 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2EQ Tel: +44 (0) 131 556 2414
The Balmoral is a luxury five-star hotel and landmark in Edinburgh, Scotland, known as the North British Hotel until the late 1980s. It is located in the heart of the city at the east end of Princes Street, the main shopping street beneath the EdinburghCastle rock, and the southern edge of the New Town. Room rate £275 per night for a double room including breakfast. (Single room £250 per night)
George Hotel, 4* 19-21 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PB Tel: +44 (0) 203 027 6614
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel, 4*23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BH Tel: +44 (0) 131 441 0440
Travelodge, Edinburgh Central Waterloo Place Hotel, 17 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh,
EH1 3BG Tel: +44 (0) 871 984 6445
Premier Inn, 121 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 4AD Tel: +44 (0) 871 527 9358
COSTS, REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT
The cost of the festival for members, excluding accommodation and flights, for the 3 day event will be GBP 850 per member. There is a surcharge of GBP 85 for non-members, including partners of members, making a total of GBP 935 per non-member. To confirm your interest, please communicate and make a deposit payment of GBP 250 per person as set out below. Numbers for this event are restricted and the date of receipt of the deposit payment will determine the time of your application.
It may be possible to accommodate additional participants at the Royal Yacht Britannia dinner, depending on how many delegates book for the festival, but thecost for the tour, reception and dinner will be not less than GBP 225 per person (GBP 250 per non-member).
There is no charge for attendance at the Annual General Meeting, which is open to all members of IWFS Europe Africa Limited whether or not they attend the festival or post-festival lunch.
The post-festival event including lunch, taking place immediately after the Annual General Meeting, will include either a wine tasting or if preferred a whisky tasting followed by lunch. Details, including the cost, will be issued later.